You're the next GM of the Twins

[TwinsTerritory]

Let's pretend that Terry Ryan steps down tomorrow and you're named the GM of the Twins.  What's your plan for the next 9 months?  I'll start with mine so that you all have some mistakes to learn from (or something to mock)!!

 

My Plan

Call me an eternal optimist, but if I get hired as the next Twins GM I'm not looking to tank for 3 years.  I'm looking to be more competitive in 2017 (wouldn't take much) and expecting to make the playoffs in 2018.  As awful as this season has been, the circumstances surrounding the Twins haven't changed that much since the end of 2015.  Let's look at this step-by-step.

 

Step 1: Where are we at?

 

Catching: Huge hole with no clear answer other than crossed fingers (Murphy, Turner, etc)

 

Corner Infield: Pretty set at the corners with Sano at 3B & some combo of Mauer, Park, Vargas at 1B

 

Middle Infield: Dozier is solid at 2B and Polanco is probably ready.  Huge questions at SS with Nunez, Escobar, Santana as options and other guys probably a couple years away.

 

Outfield: 2/3 looks set with Buxton & Kepler.  Are Rosario or Grossman the other 1/3?  Can Walker or Palka become major league outfielders?

 

Starting Pitching: We've got some veterans (Santana, Nolasco, Hughes), a couple of guys that are probably as good as they're going to get (Gibson, Milone), one top prospect that's probably ready (Berrios), a some big question marks (May, Duffey, Meyer), and some intriguing potential in the minors (Jay, Gonsalves, Stewart, Thorpe, Romero, Jorge)

 

Relief Pitching: This is a scary area with virtually no healthy veterans and a bunch of promising young guys in the minor leagues.

 

Step 2: Where are our biggest strengths/weaknesses?

 

Strengths: Not much!!!  I guess we seem to be in decent shape in the outfield, at third base, and at second base.

 

Weaknesses: Catcher, shortstop, starting pitching and relief pitching in the near future

 

Step 3: How do we get better for 2017 and make the playoffs in 2018?

 

There are basically 3 ways to get better.  I've ranked them according to importance in my mind.

 

1. Young guys develop: Everything else is a moot point if Buxton, Sano, Berrios, Kepler, etc. don't continue to make huge strides.  Here is what I do to help this happen:

 

*Play the young guys!

 

*Call up young guys to take the place of the guys I trade/DFA (see below).  My 25 guys look like this in August:

C: Murphy, Centeno

1B: Mauer, Vargas or Park

2B: Dozier, Polanco

SS: Nunez, Escobar

3B: Sano

OF: Buxton, Kepler, Rosario, Grossman

SP: Santana, Gibson, Duffey, Berrios, May (Dean until May is stretched out)

RP: Kintzler, Pressly, Tonkin, Rogers, Ramirez, Chargois, Meyer

 

*In October, I'm hiring a coaching staff that I believe can do the best job of developing these guys and I'm making it clear that I expect them to play.  I'd give strong consideration to Doug Mientkiewicz, but otherwise I'm going outside the organization.

 

2. Trades: The Twins have few major league trade chips with value, but here is the who, what and when of my plan.

 

*Plouffe, Nolasco, Milone, Suzuki, and Abad get traded in July/August for whatever I can get.  If eating salary helps get anything in return, I would do so. 

*Dozier gets traded to the Dodgers in the offseason for a package of young players.  The Dodgers don't have much at SS/C, so I'm targeting a top 100 starting pitching prospect and a couple lower level prospects.  (Dozier for Frankie Montas, Brendon Davis, and Kyle Farmer)

*Either Nunez or Escobar is traded in July/offseason if I can get the right prospect back, but otherwise they stay and man shortstop/utility roles in 2017.

*Ervin Santana is not traded.  I'm planning to be more competitive in 2017 and make the playoffs in 2018.  Santana can be a part of that and I don't have guys ready to take his place or real options in the free agent market this year.

 

3. Free agents: This winter's free agent class is terribly thin so there isn't much help coming, but I'd make two significant moves. 

 

*Bring back Wilson Ramos: Ramos is a fairly young free agent and coming off a career year so I'd have to overspend, but the fan base needs to see that things are changing and what better way than bringing back a guy that never should have left.

 

*Sign a closer:  The young guys need someone to finish games and Glen Perkins probably can't be that guy.  I probably can't afford the top two guys, but I'd sign one guy off this list:

 

Kenley Jansen

Aroldis Chapman

Mark Melancon

Jonathan Papelbon

 

2017 Major League Roster: The real goal is development, but hopefully while winning more games along the way.  I believe this roster can put together a respectable season and maybe even make a run at .500 if things go well.  The payroll would probably take a small jump with the free agent signings, but falls somewhere in the $110M range.

 

C: Ramos, Murphy

1B: Mauer, Park or Vargas

2B: Polanco

SS: Nunez, Escobar

3B: Sano

OF: Buxton, Kepler, Rosario, Grossman, Santana

SP: Santana, Gibson, Berrios, Duffey, May  (Hughes)

RP: Melancon, Kintzler, Pressly, Rogers, Tonkin, Chargois, Meyer  (Perkins)

 

 

Well, I made my attempt at fixing the Twins.  Let's hear what you've got!

 

 

 

 

[Brock Beauchamp]

The Twins can't tank for three years so you're on the right track.

 

Tank for three years and you're into arbitration for Sano and Buxton. That means you've narrowed your window to two, three years, tops.

 

The Twins should only be trading from positions where the minors can fill the roster spot within the next 12-18 months.

 

Thankfully, that means almost everyone over 25 is on the table. With guys like Polanco, Gordon, Stewart, Gonsalves, Burdi, Berrios, etc. all slated to appear by the 2018 season, the Twins have a lot of flexibility to trade away some valuable pieces in the short-term and not hamper their ability to compete in 2017-2018.

[Mike Sixel]

I also agree they can't tank for 3 years .... that window has passed, mostly because of what Brock states.

 

I think directionally, I agree with your approach. I have to give it more thought, but I like your start a lot.

 

I especially endorse trying May as a SP. 

 

Really, if TR did what you lay out, I think I'd be good with that.

 

Except for keeping Danny Santana, not a fan. I'd try something else there. It is possible that I'd even sign a FA corner OF on a 1 year deal, in case Rosario or Grossman (or both) can't hit at all.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Danny Santana isn't on your 25 man roster for August, but he is back for 2017?

[Rosterman]

I would bring up anyone and everyone in September that I can. I would start early filling up my 40-man with guys I EXPECT to be a part of the Twins sometime in 2017. Which means I see Garver/Turner...even at the expense of Centeno. I advance Vielma. I bring up Walker. I look at Reed/Jones/Bard. I give Wheeler a shot at the rotation. 

 

I remove Dean and Vargas.

 

Come the offseason, I make hard decisions on guys like Grossman, Boshers, Kintzler. If I don't trade them, do I cut them and hope?

 

I look at my guys with possibilities for trade who might be overtaken sooner rather than later: Rosario/Santana, decide on Polanco, is Meyer the real deal, what should I do with Wimmers.

 

Since no one will be knocking on my dorr to come to Minnesota as a free agent (yes, I want Chapman), I will vastly have to overpay or miss out. Yes, I would pay for Ramos. I would study all that is necessary and see if I should blow the guy out of the market right away! Otherwise, I am pretty sunk with what I have. I have to go after every catcher possible who can play at Rochester and might get a call then (return of Fryer, Butera...ugh!).

 

I'm hoping Hughes has some gas and that Perkins can return at least as a setup guy. But I'm not counting on them to start the season, sadly, which means I carry two dead arms on my 40-man into spring training. I jettison Nolasco for whatever I can get, or for nothing. I hopefully trade Santana. I look closely at what else is available on a short-term deal.

 

Yes, coaching and manager change. I would bring up Dougie. In consult, I would bring Mike Redmond into the staff (bench coach). I'm not sure about pitching...do I go after Frank Viola, keep it in the family. I would like to see Ron Coomer as batting coach if he would leave broadcasting. I would bring up Tommy Watkins as one of the base coaches. If nothing else, I would overpay to steal fine coaches from other organizations. But it would be a cleared house at the major league level.

 

I would seek out an additional consultant to help in major league operations, similar to LaRussa down in Arizona. 

 

I would totally reevaluate the coaching system in the minors and make it the best in the business. I would increase nutrition, get strength/conditioning coaches at all levels, add monies for better housing, have a fleet of vehicles for player use at all levels...let's make these guys comfortable by making the journey to work comfortable. I would expand the honorary coaches as much as I can and have them work their tails off visiting the system and offering advice up the wazoo.

 

I would sit in different sections during the game and actually meet and listen to fans, attend fan events, get players out in the community doing special events.

 

I would grab a couple of guys from this arena to handle social media.

 

I would hire Torii Hunter as my assistant in training!

 

 

[TwinsTerritory]

 

Danny Santana isn't on your 25 man roster for August, but he is back for 2017?

 

He's obviously a fringe guy that could be gone.  In this scenario, he would be in AAA in August come back up in September.  If he's gone next year, that's fine with me.  Just not sure who's ready to replace him in my scenario unless you sign a guy, but I'm not sure the point of signing a guy if it's not going to be a major improvement.

[TwinsTerritory]

 

 

I would bring up anyone and everyone in September that I can. I would start early filling up my 40-man with guys I EXPECT to be a part of the Twins sometime in 2017. Which means I see Garver/Turner...even at the expense of Centeno. I advance Vielma. I bring up Walker. I look at Reed/Jones/Bard. I give Wheeler a shot at the rotation. 

 

I remove Dean and Vargas.

 

Come the offseason, I make hard decisions on guys like Grossman, Boshers, Kintzler. If I don't trade them, do I cut them and hope?

 

I look at my guys with possibilities for trade who might be overtaken sooner rather than later: Rosario/Santana, decide on Polanco, is Meyer the real deal, what should I do with Wimmers.

 

Since no one will be knocking on my dorr to come to Minnesota as a free agent (yes, I want Chapman), I will vastly have to overpay or miss out. Yes, I would pay for Ramos. I would study all that is necessary and see if I should blow the guy out of the market right away! Otherwise, I am pretty sunk with what I have. I have to go after every catcher possible who can play at Rochester and might get a call then (return of Fryer, Butera...ugh!).

 

I'm hoping Hughes has some gas and that Perkins can return at least as a setup guy. But I'm not counting on them to start the season, sadly, which means I carry two dead arms on my 40-man into spring training. I jettison Nolasco for whatever I can get, or for nothing. I hopefully trade Santana. I look closely at what else is available on a short-term deal.

 

Yes, coaching and manager change. I would bring up Dougie. In consult, I would bring Mike Redmond into the staff (bench coach). I'm not sure about pitching...do I go after Frank Viola, keep it in the family. I would like to see Ron Coomer as batting coach if he would leave broadcasting. I would bring up Tommy Watkins as one of the base coaches. If nothing else, I would overpay to steal fine coaches from other organizations. But it would be a cleared house at the major league level.

 

I would seek out an additional consultant to help in major league operations, similar to LaRussa down in Arizona. 

 

I would totally reevaluate the coaching system in the minors and make it the best in the business. I would increase nutrition, get strength/conditioning coaches at all levels, add monies for better housing, have a fleet of vehicles for player use at all levels...let's make these guys comfortable by making the journey to work comfortable. I would expand the honorary coaches as much as I can and have them work their tails off visiting the system and offering advice up the wazoo.

 

I would sit in different sections during the game and actually meet and listen to fans, attend fan events, get players out in the community doing special events.

 

I would grab a couple of guys from this arena to handle social media.

 

I would hire Torii Hunter as my assistant in training!

 

I like a lot of this, but I wouldn't keep that many "Twins" guys in coaching positions.  I like the idea of Doug with Redmond as a bench coach, but I'd go find my other coaches in successful organizations.

[drivlikejehu]

 

The Twins can't tank for three years so you're on the right track.

 

Tank for three years and you're into arbitration for Sano and Buxton. That means you've narrowed your window to two, three years, tops.

 

The Twins should only be trading from positions where the minors can fill the roster spot within the next 12-18 months.

 

Thankfully, that means almost everyone over 25 is on the table. With guys like Polanco, Gordon, Stewart, Gonsalves, Burdi, Berrios, etc. all slated to appear by the 2018 season, the Twins have a lot of flexibility to trade away some valuable pieces in the short-term and not hamper their ability to compete in 2017-2018.

 

Post-Mauer, the Twins have no payroll obligations. I don't see money being a real factor at any conceivable time horizon. 

 

[mazeville]

I like the plan, generally. The problem is that it will be difficult luring top free agents to a team that will likely lose 95-105 games. 

 

And a team that will lose 100 games this season is not going to go to the playoffs next year. Sad as that is to consider, it's just reality. This team will need to get good first with a core of young players before it'll be able to attract the big-name free agents to get to the next level.

 

The good news is that there is a core of young players who CAN be really good, really fast. Sano, Buxton, Kepler, Rosario, Berrios, Polanco, Kohl Stewart, Tyler Jay, JT Chargois, etc., should give this team a nice base to start with.

 

I would definitely trade Santana now, under the belief that a lack of pitchers on the market and the Twins' willingness to eat salary could net a decent prospect or two in return. I would also trade Abad and Suzuki. I do NOT trade Nolasco unless you really don't find a deal you like for Santana. This team will need pitching to be a bridge to Stewart-Jay, etc.

 

I would also listen on Dozier and Nunez, but would only trade them if there is enough of a return. I assume, however, that Dozier could fetch a prospect package.

 

I call up John Ryan Murphy, Polanco, Berrios and Chargois. 

 

In the offseason, I devote spending to making plays for young, international free agents. I also trade Plouffe for whatever I can get, and look at trading Dozier or Santana if deals didn't work at the trade deadline. 

 

I think the outfield is largely set. The infield is potentially set, with the exception of shortstop, where I assume Eduardo Escobar can hold down the position until someone like Gordon is ready, or perhaps the Twins could fetch someone like Jurickson Profar in a trade. 

 

I definitely work on getting catching help in trades but also give John Ryan Murphy every opportunity to earn the permanent starting gig.

 

I also emphasize pitching in trades because you can't get enough of it. 

 

The team will have holes. But you could fill those with under-the-radar free agents and perhaps trades. But my hope is that the young nucleus the team already has, coupled with some young players that come back to the team via trade, can yield surprising improvement next year. And then in the 2017 offseason we target one or two big-name free agents. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

He's obviously a fringe guy that could be gone. In this scenario, he would be in AAA in August come back up in September. If he's gone next year, that's fine with me. Just not sure who's ready to replace him in my scenario unless you sign a guy, but I'm not sure the point of signing a guy if it's not going to be a major improvement.

Santana can't be sent to AAA without clearing waivers. Although if he is a fringe guy / 5th OF, that probably doesn't matter much anyway. I was just curious.

[TwinsTerritory]

 

Post-Mauer, the Twins have no payroll obligations. I don't see money being a real factor at any conceivable time horizon. 

 

It's true they don't have many, but they do owe Hughes $13.5M and Park $3M, plus the option or more likely buyout on E. Santana.

 

I agree that money shouldn't really be a huge issue until about 2020 when a bunch of these young guys are into their arbitration years.

[TwinsTerritory]

 

 

Santana can't be sent to AAA without clearing waivers. Although if he is a fringe guy / 5th OF, that probably doesn't matter much anyway. I was just curious.

 

Yeah, I missed that.  I was thinking he could go down yet this year.  At this point, Polanco could probably stay at AAA for the month of August and leave Santana on the roster.  Polanco could then come up when rosters expand.

[Thrylos]

April fools' 2017 25-man roster:

 

C: Murphy/Garver

1B/DH: Mauer/Park/Vargas

2B/SS: Beresford/Polanco/Escobar

3B: Sano

OF: Palka/Kepler/Rosario/Buxton/Grossman

 

That's 14.

 

SP:  Meyer, Berrios, May, Gonsalves, Jose

RP: Duffey, Chargois, Burdi, Rogers, Hilderberger, Theophanopoulos

 

That's 11.

 

Barring injuries.

Anyone else who has played with the Twins (eg. the Tonkin's, Santana's, Dozier-Plouffe's, Milone, Hughes etc of the world) the past season or two, traded or demoted.

 

Wham! Bam! Thank you ma'am

 

 

 

[drivlikejehu]

 

It's true they don't have many, but they do owe Hughes $13.5M and Park $3M, plus the option or more likely buyout on E. Santana.

 

I agree that money shouldn't really be a huge issue until about 2020 when a bunch of these young guys are into their arbitration years.

 

I guess a better way of putting it is that the Twins don't appear to have enough talent within the same age cohort to cause a money problem. 

 

That's why I see it different from Brock - until a window exists, I don't think you can worry about how long it will last. Step one is to build up enough talent to contend, and I think that's a very tall order before 2019.

[Brock Beauchamp]

I guess a better way of putting it is that the Twins don't appear to have enough talent within the same age cohort to cause a money problem.

 

That's why I see it different from Brock - until a window exists, I don't think you can worry about how long it will last. Step one is to build up enough talent to contend, and I think that's a very tall order before 2019.

I guess that just boils down to difference of opinion. If Sano, Berrios, Kepler, and Buxton all post good seasons, the Twins are a pretty good team in a hurry.

 

I'm all for shedding veterans in a smart, controlled way but given how many young players are on this team and how quickly they can break out, I think blowing it all up is knee-capping yourself unnecessarily.

 

It's unlikely, but not impossible, for the Twins to compete in 2017. It's more likely in 2018... And if you've shed every decent veteran player and haven't restocked with free agents by that time, it could be hard to win.

 

Basically, I'm down with trading several of Nunez, Suzuki, Santana, Dozier, Abad, etc... But not all of them. The trick is to choose the right guys to keep (several of those decisions are NOT hard but Santana and Dozier are a bit trickier).

[Thrylos]

 

 

The trick is to choose the right guys to keep (several of those decisions are NOT hard but Santana and Dozier are a bit trickier).

 

That sounds like Michael Corleone's famous like on Godfather III (when I thought I was out, they pull me back in)

 

Bet if they sucked the last month, you wouldn't feel that way

You got to trade them when they don't suck, or right before they suck again...

[bird]

I'd have reached certain understandings ahead of time with the Board of Directors of Minnesota Twins Baseball, Inc. I'd tell them that, without resolving the following issues, it doesn't make sense to chitchat about all the easy stuff like roster construction and the like.

 

1. Show me the money. Let's see proof, and then let's put it in writing, in black and white. We're gonna average out the previous 3 year's revenue, and then set the payroll number for the following year at 50%.

 

2. If I don't spend it, it goes into a Retained Payroll Account, and is available for spending in addition to the 50% in lean years, or to keep a championship roster intact.

 

3. I want an agreement that no one not reporting to me, which means everyone NOT on the baseball side of the business, is forbidden to EVER make a comment about the baseball product publicly. They can talk about the "baseball experience" and craft beer offerings, but not about the baseball product, period.

 

4. We will have a written buy/sell strategy regarding player assets, reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. This strategy will contain financial disciplines and financial guidelines. One of those guidelines will be regarding what disciplined review steps will be adhered to on an annual basis regarding all player assets costing more than 5% of the current payroll budget. This review will involve a committee of baseball employees chartered to make a recommendation about whether the asset is a sell candidate, and if so, a process will have been undertaken to establish a value range for that player. The goal of such a strategy and discipline would be to sell high on players for an elfin' change, especially those who are not perennial all-stars or future HOF's. You know, like Plouffie.

 

5. We will ALWAYS be potential sellers at the trade deadline regardless of where we are in the standings. Never fire-sale and salary dump motivations; instead, the motivation is to take advantage of any willingness in the marketplace to overpay with prospects.

 

6. We will continue to build from our own system. Our scouting and development budget will be among the five largest in baseball. We will rely even less on free agency than we have historically.

 

7. We will stop caring so much, and fretting all the time, over what those meanies at Twins Daily say about us.

[drivlikejehu]

 

I guess that just boils down to difference of opinion. If Sano, Berrios, Kepler, and Buxton all post good seasons, the Twins are a pretty good team in a hurry.

 

I wasn't doing a good job of accepting the thread's premise . . . with the right moves I do think 2018 can be interesting. The fact it wouldn't happen under current management is a separate issue.

 

Still though, there are some problems . . . the 2017 free agent class is awful, and the Twins can't afford to trade away prospects, yet they have holes to fill. 

[magiklair]

Catching: Free agent, backup Murphy although his defense is not very good.. Probably fine for a backup although.

Corner Infield: Pretty set at the corners with Sano at 3B & some combo of Mauer, Park, Vargas at 1B

Middle Infield: Polanco is probably ready.And Escobar.

Outfield: 2/3 looks set with Buxton & Kepler.Are Rosario or Grossman. Perhaps Palka

Starting Pitching: An (Ace / Number #2), Berrios, May, Duffey, Gibson Or Milone

 

Everyone else open to trade. They should be able to get some decent offers..

[Mr. Brooks]

I guess that just boils down to difference of opinion. If Sano, Berrios, Kepler, and Buxton all post good seasons, the Twins are a pretty good team in a hurry.

 

I'm all for shedding veterans in a smart, controlled way but given how many young players are on this team and how quickly they can break out, I think blowing it all up is knee-capping yourself unnecessarily.

 

It's unlikely, but not impossible, for the Twins to compete in 2017. It's more likely in 2018... And if you've shed every decent veteran player and haven't restocked with free agents by that time, it could be hard to win.

 

Basically, I'm down with trading several of Nunez, Suzuki, Santana, Dozier, Abad, etc... But not all of them. The trick is to choose the right guys to keep (several of those decisions are NOT hard but Santana and Dozier are a bit trickier).

I disagree.

Every position player can pan out, but you still need starting pitching.

Outside of acquiring some legit front end starters, which isn't going to happen, the rotation is going to continue to be the worst in baseball for a couple more years until Jay, Gonsalves, Stewart, etc get here and get their feet wet.

 

Outside of Berrios, I don't have faith in any of these guys being better than a 4 or 5.

I think May could be a fringe 2 or good 3, but it's become clear that he'll likely never start again as long as the current regime is in charge.

 

If we clean house, all bets are off, but if Ryan and Mollie stay, I think 3 years is as optimistic as I can get.

[Mike Sixel]

I love birdwatchers post

[DocBauer]

I love topics like this as a guilty hobby I've always had is just playing around with "fantasy" versions of the Twins lineup/roster. (All my favorite sports teams for that matter) I like and agree with most of what you've stated for the remainder of this year and going in to 2017. But there are a few areas where I disagree on the finish to 2016.

 

While Dean has had a couple solid starts, and I like his approach, I think I'd add Wheeler to the 40 man at this point, since we have room I believe, and see what he can do over Dean. And with Meyer currently unavailable to injury, again, unfortunately, I'm more concerned with starting him Rochester. I'm not giving up on him yet. And I'meant just not sure if Ramirez fits beyond the moment. I'd bring up Boshers again. Other than that...Maybe give Wimmers a shot so you can make a decision on his future. Has he found something this year in the bullpen? Or is it an illusion. But then again, I'm not sold on trading Abad either.

 

2017:

 

I agree with Nolasco, Milone and Plouffe gone immediately, if not sooner.

 

There is a lot of disagreement on E Santana. I'm favoring keeping him at this point. Unless you actually receive a fairly good return on him, I keep him for 2017, at least to begin the season. If you move him, you're probably going to have to sign yet another veteran SP in the offseason, at least on a 1 year deal of some sort. I'm not sure you've actually helped yourself.

 

Same with Abad. Unless you receive a pretty good return, he's good enough, has generally been good enough in the past, that re-signing to a couple more years could be prudent and not overly expensivd.

 

I understand the Wilson Ramos idea. And I'd be thrilled to have him. But we're still not sure what we have in Murphy. I have a really good feeling about Garver. Turner has a shot as well, but I think he's further away and Garver is the better prospect. And frankly, despite liking Ramos, I believe he'll be 28 or 29 next season with a bit of an injury history. And I'm worried about the terms to bring him on board. I think I'd be more tempted for a veteran stopgap, or someone like a Zunino from another club that hasn't lived up to expectations, but is talented and young enough where a change of scenery could make a difference.

 

1B Mauer/ Park or Vargas

2B Dozier/Polanco

SS Nunez & Escobar

3B Sano

OF Rosario-Buxton-Kepler/Grossman

C Murphy/TBD

 

That's 13 with guys like Centeno, Garver, Beresford (hopefully), Granite and Palka waiting in the wings at Rochester.

 

ROTATION

 

Santana

Gibson

Duffey

Berrios

May

 

Meyer, Wheeler and Dean are initial reserves (theoretically). The remaining top SP prospects won't be ready as of yet.

 

BULLPEN

 

Quality FA TBD

Chargois

Pressly

Tonkin

Rogers

Abad

TBD-Kinzler, Boshers, Wimmers, ?

 

It's a young team with a handful of over 30 yo veterans filling spots for a season or two as we await addition prospects that would begin 2017 at Rochester and Chattanooga.

[TheLeviathan]

I'm not ready to do this until we start playing people in the second half to build towards the future.  I need to see Berrios, Polanco, Vargas, and others for the next three months. 

 

That's absolutely vital to have happen.

[Linus]

I definitely would not go big after a catcher. My new theory in the enlightened concussion world is to avoid big contracts for catchers. I definitely would put May back in the rotation.

[alarp33]

1) Immediately after being hired. Fire Molitor, hire Mientkiewicz as the interim manager.  

 

2) Trading for sure; Plouffe, Abad, Nunez, Suzuki, Nolasco, Milone  (last 2 DFA candidates if untradeable)

 

3) Calling teams on Erv + Dozier.  Try to convince the Pohlad's to pick up half of Erv's remaining salary so I can hopefully get a top prospect back.  Ok holding onto Erv for 2017 if the trade doesn't bring back much.  If someone wants to overpay for Dozier now, he's gone.  If not, he's probably gone this winter.  

 

4) Stretching May out, he'll be in the rotation by Aug 1. 

 

5) Calling up Polanco (he'll play SS or 2B depending on Dozier trade). Berrios will be in the rotation as soon as his next start. I'm not waiting on calls for Milone, I'm calling teams and seeing if a trade is possible now or DFA'ing.  Chargois is up as well, closing games. 

 

6) Dougie would know if Danny Santana takes at bats away from Buxton, Kepler, or Polanco he will not have a job the next day.  

 

Every day lineup by Aug 1 (if Dozier kept). 

 

!) Polanco  (SS)

2) Grossman (LF)

3) Kepler (RF)

4) Sano (3B)

5) Dozier (2B)

6) Vargas/ Park / Palka (DH)

7) Mauer (1B)

8) Murphy ©

9) Buxton (CF)

 

Rotation 

 

1) Berrios

2) May

3) Gibson

4) Duffey

5) Erv, or if he's traded Jason Wheeler I guess.  

[Deebers]

1. Trade everybody you can get at least a C-level prospect for. Dozier, E. Santana, Nunez, Suzuki, Plouffe. Clear out the dead wood. None of these guys are part of the next good Twins team, except maybe Dozier, and it's time to sell high instead of waiting for another horrendous 3-month slump. 

 

2. Promote Polanco, Murphy, Berrios, Chargois and anybody else from AA or AAA who could use a look. Play them along with Buxton, Sano, Rosario, Vargas, May, and the other younger guys on the 25-man roster who have some upside. Try to determine who's part of the plan and who's not. 

 

3. This offseason, dump Ricky Nolasco in some shape or form. If you can eat some salary and trade him for a rookie ball outfielder, do it. If you have to DFA him and eat his contract, do it. Get him off the roster. Replace Molitor with somebody who's managed before and who's open to the new school way of doing things. Evaluate the entire front office and scouting organization from top to bottom and purge most of it. Replace them with younger, hungrier and more savvy baseball minds. Demand better results. 

 

4. Make some strategic free-agent signings. Reclamation projects for the back end of the rotation. Solid bullpen arms. Platoon position players. If there's a chance to shore up a position of need (SS, C, SP) with a more expensive free agent, strongly consider it. But no mediocre half-measures. Go for broke or go for low-risk, high-reward gambles. 

 

5. Aggressively promote the guys in the minor league system who have earned it. I'm not a prospect hound but folks like Gonsalves, Jay and Gordon come to mind. Get them on the fast track to the majors and find out what you've got. 

 

6. No more mediocre veterans. No more Casey Fien, Kurt Suzuki, Ricky Nolasco or Blaine Boyer taking up roster spots. If you have no chance of being a legit part of a good Twins team 3 years from now, you're not getting playing time. 

 

7. Let them play for a few years. Adjust as needed. Plug holes smartly. Keep churning through waiver-wire pickups, Rule 5 guys, minor league free agents, etc., at Rochester and at the fringes of the 25-man roster, and maybe you'll find some useful pieces. Get creative about platooning and finding places where role players can succeed. See if Park can hit his way back into the plan. When the team starts gelling and you sense that some of the younger guys are taking off, start looking for trades or FA signings that can shore up weaknesses. 

 

8. No long-term contracts for middling players in their arbitration years. If they take off, you can lock up franchise cornerstones like Buxton or Sano, sure, but no more Dozier/Hughes/Suzuki extensions. Don't commit to these kinds of only-OK players for the long term. Let things play out a little bit more and make the hard decision to part with them if necessary. Always have backup plans for when this happens. 

 

9. Win some freaking games. With a potentially good core of young players like Sano, Buxton, Kepler and Berrios, a strong minor league system and some smart moves to fill up the bullpen, the bench and the back of the rotation, there is no reason this team can't be back in contention by 2018. Just stop getting in your own way with bad free-agent signings, bad contract decisions, bad player evaluation and overall bad decisionmaking.